Rumormill: Next-Gen Corvette To Offer Seven-Speed Manual Transmission

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According to the fine folks at InsideLine, the next-generation Chevy Corvette will have a seven-speed manual transmission.

What’s more, InsideLine expects the C7 to see an update to its 16-valve pushrod V8 engine architecture with modern technologies such as direct injection and a variable valve lift system. Both improvements are seen as ways to improve performance as well as efficiency.

The GM Authority Take

Seven gears… that’s a seven whopping gears for those who opt for the row-it-yourself option. However, if it means a tighter spacing of the lower gears for improved acceleration at the lower end of the spectrum, then we’re all for it, even if the final two gears are used for overdrive purposes (as are the two final drive gears in today’s six-speed transmission).

Coincidentally, Porsche has announced that it will offer a seven-speed manual gearbox as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission on its 2012 911. We’d love to see a seven-speed DSG that will most likely be able to shift faster than the manual.

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11 Comments

My question is this: Does it really need it, though? The ‘Vette has enough torque to only need 3 speeds! I suppose that GM is trying to improve the image of the ‘Vette with the more mainstream sportscar crowd (read that as Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini) so advanced technology is a must. That advanced technology costs money, though. LOTS of it.

Glad to hear that the C7 will have the direct injection as it can then be used on the Corvette Race Team. I must admit the seven speed is a little surprising. I was hoping to see paddle shift incorporated into the manual gear box.

This reminds me of the razor blade commercials between Gillette and Schick.
First it was two blades will shave you closer, then three for a closer shave still… then four, five…
Seven gears… wow!
Is there a limit, or can we expect to see an 8 speed transmission down the road?

Hey, what ever happened to the big push on CVT’s?
I thought their big selling point was keeping you at the peak of the power curve during maximum acceleration. Do they not work well on the bigger engines?

CVTs work best in low-torque applications, which traditionally has not been a good fit for GM’s engine lineup. Some of the Asian manufacturers seem to be making progress with them, but GM seems to have backed away from the technology.

To address the CVT question, there are several reasons it would not be desirable on a Corvette: First and foremost, CVT’s are generally not adept at handling high-torque, high output engines. This is the primary reason you don’t see them on anything bigger or more powerful than, say, a V6 Altima sedan. Secondly, while they can have “gear” step ups programmed in, they tend to “motorboat,” meaning that the way they work is to get the engine up to it’s torque/power peak immediately and just keep it there throughout acceleration. Many people find this annoying. The Corvette may not need a 7 speed manual, but many sports cars that still offer a manual (such as the Porsche 911) are going to them, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. I am also hoping that GM offers the Corvette with a dual-clutch transmission soon, although I would not want to see it replace the stick, but instead have it replace the automatic. Time will tell, and I’m looking forward to seeing the new C7 in a month or so and all of the tech it will offer.